USS Boxer celebrates 25th anniversary SAN DIEGO (Feb. 11, 2020) Capt. Dale Heinken, commanding officer of the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), Cmdr. Michael Fortunato, right, and Yeoman Seaman Recruit Nakia Felton, cut the cake for Boxer's 25th anniversary celebration. Boxer was commissioned on Feb. 11th, 1995 in Pascagoula, Miss. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Justin Daniel Rankin. Read more... Apply now for loans from NMCRS Educational Assistance program February is here and that means there are only three months left until The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society’s Educational Assistance program closes on May 1. The program offers interest-free loans and grants for an undergraduate or master’s degree. Assistance is available for children of active duty, retired or deceased Sailors and Marines; and for spouses of active duty and retired Sailors and Marines. For more information or to apply, visit www.nmcrs.org/education. Applications open for Fisher House scholarships for military children Calling all college students and graduating seniors: Fisher House Foundation Scholarships for Military Children is open for the 2020 scholarship program. Applications must be submitted online at www.militaryscholar.org. Congress wants to hear from you: Seeking female service members/vets If you’re a female service member preparing for your upcoming transition out of the Navy or a female veteran who has transitioned out of the Navy during the past year, Congress wants to hear from you about your transition experience. A Congressional delegation will be visiting San Diego on Thursday, Feb. 20 and will be holding two important sessions: • 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Naval Base San Diego or • 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Naval Air Station North Island. Space is limited so registration is required and details will be provided upon registration. Call (619) 556-9866 or e-mail rebecca.y.garcia.ctr@navy.mil. VA introduces 'Solid Start' to provide support to veterans Program provides vets supportive contact and information to enable success WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, in collaboration with the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, introduced VA Solid Start which will proactively contact all newly separated service members at least three times during their first year of transition from the military. Read more.... Military couple assignment policy: 5 things to know The Navy realizes how important families are, and when they're not whole it can add stress to a Sailor's life. Collocation of dual-military couples is part of supporting families. It is a priority, along with balancing fleet readiness. The revised policy updates the collocation and distribution procedures and makes orders negotiation less cumbersome........ read more Navy Pregnancy and Parenthood mobile app available "Pregnancy and parenthood can be compatible with a successful military career when Service members and the Command both understand their roles and responsibilities, said Capt. Candace Eckert, director of N1 Diversity. "This app makes that task easier by identifying regulations, instructions and references from a wide variety of sources and offering them in one easy-to-use app. The app includes information regarding assignments, retention, separation, standards of conduct and much more." ......read more Separation policy To protect Sailors and Marines suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) or any other diagnosed mental health condition, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus has made his department the first in the military to assure such conditions are considered before separating a service member. ......read more

YOUR MONEY Military pay tables 2020 Military pay tables 2019 BAH rates 2020 BAH Calculator MORE NEWSSTORIES FY ‘21 DOD budget request seeks 3 percent pay raise for service members Black History Month: Honoring the Past, Securing the Future USS Boxer celebrates 25th anniversary Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group arrives in San Diego after around-the-world deployment Aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson to change homeport back to San Diego this summer after completion of maintenance Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group departs on regularly scheduled deployment After record deployment USS Abraham Lincoln arrives Hawaii; ready for final leg of homport shift' USS Abraham Lincoln first deck log entry 2020 in verse Aviation leaders engage sustainment teams in West Coast 'Boots on Ground' 2nd Fleet declares full operational capability 2020 BAH, Basic Pay rates released by DOD USS America arrives in Japan in homeport change from San Diego USO honors outstanding service members at annual awards ceremony USS New Orleans arrives at new homeport of Sasebo, Japan Bill introduced to build DC monument for Medal of Honor recipients VA introduces 'Solid Start' to provide support to veterans NEXCOM launches NEXTgen Scholars Program Boxer ARG returns from deployment USS Lake Erie returns from deployment Newest San Diego ship USS Cincinnati pulls in to port Seal Beach again named best small Navy installation in the Southwest USS America leaves SD for new homeport In Japan NMCSD achieves meritorious status in quality metrics NSWC Corona officially opens long-awaited OM&S Warehouse in ribbon cutting ceremony Approved veterans and caregivers to access base facilities, shops Navy commissions USS Cincinnati; Newest LCS to be homeported in San Diego U.S. 3rd Fleet changes hands; Alexander retires Milley takes oath as 20th Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff NAVFAC Southwest change of command 2nd Fleet ships, aircraft depart Dorian's path; Installations continue preparations NAVWAR showcases speed, agility at Navy Test & Evaluation Summit Navy releases hemp policy More Sailor-friendly options for PCS moves NAVWAR partners with UCSD, explores data science for improved decision making USS Michael Murphy provides aid to stranded mariners New uniform mobile app has new name, new guidance USS Stethem arrives at new homeport: San Diego Navy modernizing PCS move process AI prize challenge offers $150,000 total cash prizes Post GI Bill benefits transfer extended for some Do you want to be a career recruiter? Gator Week: ‘Building resiliency through camaraderie’ MCPON, VCNO honor 2018 Sailors of the Year Oceanside hosts Operation Appreciation Armed Forces Day celebration America On Main Street 'Out of this World' USS America, USS New Orleans to forward deploy to Japan; USS Stethem, USS Wasp to return to U.S. Navy to showcase innovative Information Warfare capabilities Navy's newest littoral combat ship, USS Charleston, arrives SD Navy Region Southwest welcomes new commander SPAWAR Systems Center names change to Naval Information Warfare Centers Will you make the cut? US Navy Ceremonial Guard NAVADMIN released Naval Research Laboratory Tech Transfer Office forges collaboration with tech incubator USS Michael Monsoor commissioned in San Diego Navy technology commands improve Information Warfare readiness Indianapolis endures CAC-less: The future of Navy mobile apps Sailor selected to Warrant Officer 1, Navy's first since 1975 Navy announces advancement policy updates CNSF signs new Surface Warfare Watchstander Proficiency Requirements Instruction Quick reminders to keep you, your DoD info cybersecure Navy reestablishes Sailor Early Return-to-Sea policy DoD partners With LinkedIn, offers military spouses free membership Trump signs order to improve mental health resources for transitioning veterans Self service updates for emergency contacts Navy develops 'smart' artificial limbs NAVY 311 answers the call

Local military news
Welcome home: We're so happy to see you ....

SAN DIEGO (Jan. 20, 2020) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Seaman Tyler Morris, from Paradise, Calif., reunites with his family during the homecoming of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln returns to Naval Air Station North Island after a ten-month deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th, 5th, and 7th Fleet areas of operation. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Danielle A. Baker.

SAN DIEGO (Jan. 20, 2020) Family and friends hold signs to welcome home Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln returns to Naval Air Station North Island after a ten-month deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th, 5th, and 7th Fleet areas of operation. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Danielle A. Baker.

SAN DIEGO (Jan. 20, 2020) Navy Counselor 1st Class Solimar Velazco mans the rails aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as it arrives at Naval Air Station North Island after a ten-month deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th, 5th, and 7th Fleet areas of operation. With Abraham Lincoln as the flagship, deployed strike assets include staffs and aircraft of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Tristan Kyle Labuguen.



Seal Beach again picked as Best Small Navy Installation in the Southwest
by Gregg Smith, Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach Public Affairs
SEAL BEACH, Calif. (NNS) -- For the third time in four years, Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach has been selected as the winner of the Commander, Navy Region Southwest Installation Excellence Award for Small Installations.
The award recognizes bases for superior support to the fleet, cost savings, and innovative improvements to facilities, quality of life, safety, and environmental sustainability.
“Competition this year was tough, and all of our bases have had some truly outstanding accomplishments,” said the Commander of Navy Region Southwest, Rear Adm. Bette Bolivar.
“However, the exceptional work by the Seal Beach team really stood out.”
In recent years base personnel have led efforts to curb the use of energy and water, build a new ammunition pier, upgrade the gym and family housing units, and improve the safety and security of base operations.
“It is a true honor and privilege to be a part of this great organization, and we would not have been selected for this recognition without everyone’s hard work and dedication," said weapons station Commanding Officer Capt. Jason Sherman. "Our efforts at constant improvement, collaboration and teamwork have really paid off, and I’m looking forward to seeing how we fare at the national level."
The weapons station will next represent the Southwest region in the competition for the best small installation Navy-wide. That contest is scheduled to be decided by January 2020.
In 2012 and 2016 the base and its two detachments in Fallbrook and Norco, Calif. went on to win honors as the best small installation in the U.S. Navy.
Commencing operations in 1944 as a Naval Ammunition and Net Depot, Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach provides munitions to a majority of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.



National military news

PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 12, 2020) An unarmed Trident II (D5LE) missile launches from the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Maine (SSBN 741) off the coast of San Diego, California, Feb. 12, 2020. The test launch was part of the U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs' demonstration and shakedown operation certification process. The successful launch demonstrated the readiness of the SSBN's strategic weapon system and crew following the submarine's engineered refueling overhaul. This launch marks 177 successful missile launches of the Trident II (D5 & D5LE) strategic weapon system. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Thomas Gooley
USS Maine successfully tests Trident II D5LE missile
2/12/2020
From Navy Systems Programs Public Affairs
PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy conducted a scheduled, one-missile test flight of an unarmed life-extended Trident II (D5LE) missile from USS Maine (SSBN-741), an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, on the Western Test Range off the coast of San Diego, California, today.
This was part of a Demonstration and Shakedown Operation, designated DASO-30. The primary objective of a DASO is to evaluate and demonstrate the readiness of the SSBN’s strategic weapon system and crew before operational deployment following the submarine’s engineered refueling overhaul.
“The professional performance by the crew of the USS Maine today demonstrated they are ready to stand the watch for our nation's strategic deterrence mission," said James F. Geurts, assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition who embarked USS Maine for the launch. “They, and the acquisition and sustainment teams that support them, showed the teamwork, commitment, and attention to detail needed to continue to provide the undersea strategic deterrence for our nation, just as the Navy has done uninterrupted for the last 60 years.”
This launch marks 177 successful missile launches of the Trident II (D5 & D5LE) strategic weapon system (SWS).
“Today’s test demonstrates the continued reliability of our sea-based nuclear deterrent, which is made possible by our sailors, civilians and industry partners who bring expertise and dedication to the mission that is unmatched by any other country,” said Vice Adm. Johnny R. Wolfe, director of the Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs. “These same teams are now developing the next generation of the Trident strategic weapon system, which will extend our sea-based deterrent for the next 40 years.”
The Trident strategic weapon system is highly accurate and reliable. The Trident II (D5) missiles recently underwent a life extension program to address potential impacts from aging and obsolescence. The life-extended missiles – Trident II (D5LE) – are now being deployed to the Fleet and will serve for the remaining service life of U.S Ohio-class and United Kingdom Vanguard -class SSBNs, and as the initial loadout for the U.S. Columbia-class and U.K. Dreadnought-class SSBNs.
The Navy’s last DASO was in May 2019 off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Florida, from USS Rhode Island (SSBN-740). The Navy’s most recent flight test – a Commander’s Evaluation Test – was a series of four launches from USS Nebraska (SSBN-739) in September 2019 off the coast of Southern California. All five of these 2019 flight tests were of the life-extended Trident II (D5LE).
Flight test missiles are not armed. Safety of the public and the crew conducting the mission is paramount. Today’s launch was conducted from sea, the missile flew over the sea, and landed in the sea. At no time did the missile fly over land.
The missile test was not conducted in response to any ongoing world events or as a demonstration of power. Test launches – including DASOs – are scheduled years in advance.
A credible, effective nuclear deterrent is essential to our national security and the security of U.S. allies. Deterrence remains a cornerstone of national security policy in the 21st century.
Strategic Systems Programs is the Navy command that provides cradle-to-grave lifecycle support for the Navy's strategic weapon systems. This includes training, systems, equipment, facilities and personnel responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation’s Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) Trident II (D5LE) strategic weapon system.
SLBMs are the sea-based leg of the nation’s strategic nuclear deterrent Triad that also includes the U.S. Air Force’s intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) and nuclear-capable bombers. Each part of the Triad provides unique capabilities and advantages.
The sea-based leg makes up the majority – approximately 70 percent – of the U.S.’s deployed strategic nuclear deterrent Triad. The SLBM is the most survivable leg of the triad, provides a persistent presence, and allows for flexible concepts of operations.

Pentagon warns service members not to use home DNA kits
The Pentagon recently warned that military personnel shouldn’t use at-home DNA kits such as 23andme or Ancestry. The advisory, initially obtained by Yahoo News, said such kits could pose a security risk. It also warned military personnel are being targeted by the companies with discounts encouraging them to purchase the at-home kits.“Exposing sensitive genetic information to outside parties poses personal and operational risks to Services members,” the memo noted. “These (direct-to-consumer) genetic tests are largely unregulated and could expose personal and genetic information, and potentially create unintended security consequences and increased risk to the joint force and mission.” ... Refer to https://www.stripes.com/news/us/don-t-use-home-dna-kits-pentagon-warns-service-members-1.612655.

Marines offer up to $90K in bonuses for reenlistments
The Marine Corps is offering up to $90,000 in retention bonuses for high-demand career fields, including Raiders, reconnaissance and explosive ordnance disposal, as it seeks to retain young Marines with key skills.
The selective reenlistment bonuses for FY 2020 include incentives for aviation maintenance, air traffic controllers, infantry squad leaders and Marines willing to make a lateral move to select specialties such as intelligence and cyberdefense, a command bulletin issued Friday said.
“Retaining our experienced and qualified Marines remains one of the Commandant’s highest priorities,” it said. “Achieving retention goals is vital for shaping and sustaining the Marine Corps’ enlisted force.”
Marine Commandant Gen. Robert Neller said in a letter last October that the Corps needed to recruit 38,500 new members to fill gaps in the ranks.





United Through Reading®
Deploying? Service members invited to record stories for family at San Diego USO
United Through Reading® is a program helping ease the stress of separation for military families by having deploying or deployed service members read children’s books aloud via DVD for their family to watch at home. This powerful program is available to all military units. It provides service members a chance to make lasting connections from afar. The DVD recording and the book are mailed to the child and family back home.
Service members who are leaving for training can also take part in this program. Being a parent is not required; service members can send the DVD & book(s) to any special child in their life such as younger sister or brother, niece, nephew or godchild.
On the day of the recording, service members are encouraged to dress in the attire they will be wearing while deployed/training, but this is not required. The room is private, so any special message, or those fun reading voices, will only be heard by the recipient of the DVD recording. USO San Diego has books available, or service members can bring their own. Our volunteers will help set up the camera and then leave the room. The DVD can hold a 30 minute recording.
Please e-mail USO San Diego Staff Member Nichole Duarte at utr@usosandiego.org to make your appointment. This program is offered at both USO San Diego centers.